THE OPENING of NCAA Season 102 will feature more than an action-packed doubleheader as the league welcomes a star-studded cast of guests and dignitaries while rekindling last season’s rivalries on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Two rematches from last year’s men’s basketball semifinals will raise the curtain, with College of St. Benilde and San Beda facing off at 2 p.m.

The Red Lions had to overcome an Allen Liwag-led Blazers squad in the semifinals last season before eventually capturing the Season 101 title at the expense of Letran in the Finals.

Benilde, however, will be without reigning MVP Liwag in the opening game as he continues to deal with an undisclosed injury.

Letran and University of Perpetual Help will clash at 4 p.m. in another semifinal rematch.

Backed by reigning Rookie and Freshman of the Year Titing Manalili, the Knights will take on a young and gritty Altas squad led by Mark Gojo Cruz.

Before the much-anticipated clashes, the league will welcome prominent figures who have helped shape the latest chapter of the country’s Grand Old League.

Sports patron and MediaQuest Holdings chairman of the board Manny V. Pangilinan, a San Beda alumnus, will be among the guest speakers and dignitaries at the opening ceremony.

Pangilinan is expected to address the league’s new broadcasting partnership with TV5 during the awards segment of the opening program.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will also attend the ceremony and deliver a pep talk to the collegiate athletes ahead of the much-awaited games.

Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza is likewise expected to grace the opening.

Atienza will launch the city’s new community outreach program with the NCAA, dubbed “NCAA Cares.”

The program, which stands for Community Athletics, Recreation, Education and Sportsmanship (CARES), aims to bring the league’s values beyond the arena and into local communities.